Queer Mormon Theology: An Introduction

By: Blaire Ostler

Narrated by: Blaire Ostler

In January of 2015, I stood in an upper room of the Brooklyn Borough in New York City to see the St. Francis of Assissi exhibition. I reflected on our own history as a young church - our own cycles of decline and renewal, crisis and change. I specifically thought about the current crisis catering on rejecting behavior towards the queer Latter-day Saints.

©2021 Blaire Ostler (P)2021 Blaire Ostler

Critic reviews

"As I read this book, two words kept coming to my mind: “Prayers” and “words.” From the late 1840s until 1978, countless prayers went up to petition a change in the exclusionary and harmful policy that denied priesthood ordination to Blacks. In 1973, those prayers were joined by the words of Lester Bush, whose landmark article in Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon Thought helped pry open the door to the 1978 revelation. Countless prayers have gone up to petition changes inthe church’s LGBTQ+ policies and doctrines, and now Queer Mormon Theology adds words to those prayers - perhaps the right words to pry open yet another door. (Gregory A. Prince - author of Gay Rights and the Mormon Church: Intended Actions, Unintended Consequences)

"For most members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, its theology is only ever viewed through the authorized lens of Church Correlation. In Queer Mormon Theology, author Blaire Ostler offers a fresh look at the basic tenets of the religion as seen through the eyes of a queer church member. The discoveries she reveals may surprise, captivate, and simultaneously invite the reader to explore new perspectives on living and worshiping as an inclusive community of Saints. (Laurie Lee Hall, Architect)

"Blaire Ostler‘s considerate work offers new perspectives around old questions of gender and relationships that have long plagued the larger Mormon community. As Latter-day Saints explore the meaning of discipleship in a modern world, Ostler extends a roadmap of true Christian living and Grace that is big and wide enough to embrace more of God’s children in faith, love and inclusion. Readers will come to engage the Gospel in a way that liberates rather than oppresses. She eloquently demonstrates how to nurture faith and subsume a more holistic relationship with the Divine, where the only sacrifice required is leaving pride at the door and opening one’s heart to more love, light and wisdom. (Lindsay Hansen Park - Executive director of the Sunstone Education Foundation bgand host of the Year of Polygamy podcast)

listen and ponder

This book gave me new insight into the theology of a religion I have been part of my whole life. I came away more confident in some of my views and questioning others. Worth the time to listen to.

Interesting

I'm sure this book will be controversial, but I'm glad I read it. Interesting perspective.

Required reading

I don’t think I have the words to express how valuable this book is. I am so grateful to Blair for the work she has done, both for her community and for those of us who have yet to meet her. in the Mormon tradition, we believe that gaining knowledge is an endeavor of divine worth. When accompanied by the Spirit and received with an open mind, this knowledge can change hearts. I encourage all those who are Looking for” more light and knowledge” in an area that is unfamiliar, this book is a wonderful place to start.

Struggling Being LDS? You Should Read This.

I didn't serve an LDS Mission because I'm Bisexual. Because I didn't serve one I was exiled by my LDS family, fired while working at BYU, and became homeless for years until I moved away from Utah. Because of discrimination, my feminine qualities, and the associated societal labels that were placed on me, I lost all of my friends and the closeness with my family. I held onto my testimony, stayed Mormon, and did the very best that I could.

Blaire's book has shed light on the dark perspectives I've held for decades. I pondered why Heavenly Father had done this to me for a long time; this book helped me. We are still Children of God in our lives and each of us is here for a reason. Do not lose contact with the Holy Ghost, have faith, and be who you are meant to be.

Highly recommended for all, whether see yourself as Queer or not. ❤️

Essential

I have battled the seeming incongruity and incompatibility of being both Gay and a holy child of Heavenly Parents for my entire life.

This re-introduction to the theology of my family has been essential to finding peace with all parts of myself.

Theology that made me anxious, depressed, and suicidal, because folk doctrines excluded me from participating in them are in this book restored to the sweetness they had for me prior to realizing I was gay. The ongoing restoration of truth and the relief it will bring queer folks cannot be understated.

I am especially grateful for the Chapter on Jesus Christ, and the hand holding Blair Gives as she walks queer folks through the availability of the redemption of queer folks like me. Everything we have lost will be made up to us.

Thank you for restoring the sweetness the Gospel brings.

This book is a great peak into the reality of queer Mormons

I think the big take away from this book is that charity should be the main lens to approach all interactions, policies, and interpretations of our doctrine.

I find the ideas, opinions and doctrinal interpretations of the author to be a refreshing look at all policies and theology around queer matters.

There is room in our non-credal theology for ideas and philosophy that do not align with the mainstream, but are rooted in a sincere search for truth and light.

I believe this book contains a sincere search for truth and light within the possibilities of our doctrinal framework.

Aspirational and Inspirational

Blare’s book is full of hope as it lays a path forward for queer members and their allies. May it come to pass.